Concert Review: Pigeons Playing Ping Pong @ World Cafe Live 1/17/20

*Pigeons Playing Ping Pong @ World Cafe Live (Photo by Jordan August)*

Pigeons Playing Ping Pong performed at World Cafe Live in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on January 17, 2020 — and I, Jordan August, was there having a lunch break blast. I have been photographing and seeing the Pigeon boys perform live for 10 years now. Since the first show (in College Park, MD opening for The Bridge), the guys in the band have become good friends of mine — and watching them grow to these massive heights over the past few years has really put a smile on my face. What a phenomenal progression. Bravo!

Continue reading below for my full concert review and more shots from the show. All images copyright and courtesy of Jordan August.

I rode my bike from Fishtown in the frigid cold to arrive early enough to say hello to the guys in the band and too mingle with some buddies from Baltimore. The turnout was intense. Packed into every corner of the venue was a “flock member” with a smile as wide as the Mississippi. This was definitely the earliest P4 set I have ever seen, and the guys mentioned it was the earliest set they had played in several years.

Another difference for this show is that it was only a 1 hour long set. I’ve been accustomed to the two long sets stretching into the midnight realm of festivals and massive clubs up and down the coast. The show was great nonetheless. Pigeons lifted off with an amazing set of songs and they played lots of new material off of their most recent studio album, Presto. Pigeons Playing Ping Pong’s new album is out January 24, 2020.

It was unique to see the band in a sort of stripped down environment at World Cafe Live. It didn’t take away from the experience at all though — it in a way actually added a refreshing quality and allowed the music to truly speak for itself. It was funny seeing so many people rage and dance their way through a 12 noon set. The basement venue is windowless so there was a definite feeling of being out late at night. Strange to walk outside after that experience and BOOM — you’re standing beneath the brightly shinning sun and thrust back into the “real world.” Society. It’s quite the jolt. Grateful to have been an attendee.

Pigeons Playing Ping Pong’s fifth studio album, Presto, is available now! You can listen to Presto on all streaming platforms at bit.ly/PPPPRESTO and order CDs, vinyl or exclusive “Presto” merch at bit.ly/ppppresto. Luckily for the fans, the guys are still out there touring too and show no signs of slowing down. Be sure to check out the Official Pigeons Playing Ping Pong Website for all upcoming tour dates and other info about the band.

Here are some more photos of Pigeons Playing Ping Pong performing at World Cafe Live in Philadelphia, PA on January 17, 2020. All images copyright and courtesy of Jordan August Photography. Congrats to all the “flockers” who made it out and were able to see the show. Your support is greatly appreciated by the band and crew.